St. Joseph High School graduates new flock of Falcons

SOUTH PLAINFIELD – A half-century-old sports catchphrase became a modern-day rallying cry for the St. Joseph High School Class of 2023 seated in Sacred Heart Church May 18: “Ya Gotta Believe!”

The Metuchen Catholic high school, whose young men are educated by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, celebrated the accomplishments of 143 students during a baccalaureate Mass and commencement ceremony four years in the making. Bishop James F. Checchio joined with school officials to present diplomas and sage advice to the graduating seniors.

Father Michael G. Krull, pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish, North Brunswick, and member of the St. Joseph Class of 1976, served as celebrant and homilist of the Mass. Quoting the online series “The Chosen,” the priest reminded the young men that with each new class, each new year and each new challenge, they should heed Christ’s advice to St. Peter: “Get used to different.”

“As you graduate, ‘getting used to different’ is something you are faced with again,” Father Krull told his fellow Falcons alumni. “Our faith must be a guiding force for you – something that you’ve learned here and which you need to draw on all the time.”

Co-valedictorians Matthew Imhoff and Alejandro Ruiz shared the honor of addressing their classmates for the last time. Imhoff, who will continue his studies at Rutgers University this fall, advised his fellow graduates to “adapt and thrive in whatever environment you find yourself in … the parts of ourselves that will never change are the friends we have met along the way. Ruiz, who plans to attend Brown University, urged the young men to “challenge yourself … seize every opportunity to meet new people and cultivate new skills.” 

Anne Rivera, principal in the Catholic high school, credited the Brothers of the Sacred Heart with instilling not only academic knowledge, but character building blocks as well. She told the young men they were “well-rounded, faith-filled, self-disciplined, compassionate… You have the tools and the talent to live a good life.”

Jessamyn Bergin, dean of studies, read aloud the names of the students who had earned their diplomas. All maintained a quiet, reverent demeanor at first, but as the final name was announced, the boys turned as one to face their parents, roaring in delight and fist-pumping while hearing their families’ proud applause.

President John G. Nolan, Jr. congratulated the class and advised them to follow the advice of a 50-year-old sports catchphrase – the 1973 rallying cry of the New York Mets which inspired them to go from worst in their division to World Series victors: “Ya Gotta Believe.”

“Take that phrase to heart,” he advised the young men. “Challenge yourself. We gave you the tools and the confidence to make a difference. ‘Ya Gotta Believe’ in God and keep him and St. Joseph’s in your hearts. [At college,] stop into the chapel, attend Mass, have a meaningful conversation with God. Be true to yourself; we believe in you.”

In his closing remarks, Bishop Checchio acknowledged the students had begun their high school careers “under difficult circumstances – the pandemic. It taught us many things such as perseverance, inner strength and reliance on God. God still is in control, God knows what you need. Stay close to Him.” 

The 143 members of the Class of 2023 had been awarded $36 million in scholarship monies and boasted a 100 percent college acceptance rate. Following the ceremony, the graduates removed their green gowns, gripped their diplomas and rejoined their jubilant families and friends sporting new white ballcaps emblazoned with the green Falcon insignia and the word “Alumni” on the back.